New Car: 2013 Ferrari California

Ferrari has updated its California convertible for 2013, and will show off the refreshed convertible at the upcoming Geneva auto show. Here are the key changes, and they’re good ones: Ferrari added some horsepower to its boulevardier while at the same time removing some weight. The front-engine, rear-drive, folding-hardtop California still isn’t as hard-core as, say, the 458 Italia, but the gap has narrowed. Ever so slightly.

First, the reduction in weight: The automaker was able to strip out 66 pounds via improved chassis fabrication techniques and construction technologies. The savings aren’t huge, but given that the last California we tested weighed a hefty 4123 pounds, any savings are welcome.

The California’s 4.3-liter V-8 now makes 37 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque more than before, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and some fresh code for the engine computer. The new totals are 490 hp and 372 lb-ft. Ferrari claims the fitter, more powerful California can run from 0-to-62 mph in 3.8 seconds. We’ve clocked a 3.9-second run in the outgoing version, so the company’s claim seems plausible. The California’s V-8 is still backed by a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transaxle. Buyers looking for special handling can rejoice: A new “Handling Speciale” package is now on offer. It bundles the California’s optional magnetorheological adaptive dampers with stiffer springs and quicker steering.
Thanks to: Car and Driver